It’s been a long year. Yes, you heard it here first and only with a fresh take on how the pandemic has made pretty much everything in the last ~11 months worse than it ever was. It’s largely for this reason, that it feels like mental health is in the limelight more than ever.
Talk of mental health in golf is becoming more and more and even more prevalent among professionals. It’s a great step in the right direction, in my opinion, towards normalising these issues at the highest level of the game.
But aside from the pros, for most of us, golf is an escape. And that’s why I wanted to make my case for why playing golf can be and is good for your mental wellbeing, especially in these hard times.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
There’s a lot to be said about how regular exercise can release endorphins and how this over a long period of time can help you feel good not just physically but also mentally. And while I am no expert in this area, I do understand the basic logic of it. But golf, if we’re being honest, isn’t quite as physically demanding as most sports.
So what makes it so good for you? Here’s my quick take on the two key aspects which make golf the ideal sport for anyone looking for a new activity to help look after themselves both physically and mentally.
Good old peace and quiet
If you’ve ever tried (and failed, like me) to practice mindfulness, you’ll know that one of the key principles of it is to train yourself to stay focused on the present moment, rather than getting distracted. Golf is unlike any other sport in that it requires a certain level of mindfulness and concentration in order to be good at it.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
When you’re out on the course, you can also take in the nice view, the greenery, the fresh air and put all your focus into your game. It’s a few hours where you don’t have to be concerned with emails, texts, notifications or anything at all.
Quality time with friends
For a lot of people with otherwise busy lives, meeting up to go golfing is a great way to bond with friends and even get to know people you don’t know that well. In my own life, I’ve seen first-hand how golf can bring people together, and bring friends closer. This is especially true for older generations, who, unlike their younger counterparts, may need an excuse to spend time with their friends that’s not just going out for drinks or coffee.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
If there’s anything we’ve learned in the last year, it’s just how important it is to stay in touch with the people we care about, and golf, as a free time activity (where you can relatively easily social distance) can help facilitate that.
But at the end of the day, whether you play alone or with people, I really think that golf is a uniquely accessible way to help look after our mental health, either as a social activity or as just some personal quiet time.
